How to Access Network Shared Folder from Android or iOS?

Welcome to your guide on accessing network-shared folders from your smartphone. If you’ve ever wanted to send files between your computer and phone without cables, or if you need extra storage for your photos, videos, or music, network sharing is the solution you’re looking for.

A network share is a tool that allows you to transfer files between devices like your computer and smartphone wirelessly. You can set up a simple server at home or share a folder from your Windows computer.

In this post, you’ll learn how to access a network-shared folder from your Android or iOS device. Let’s get started and make technology work for you.

How to Connect to a Network Drive on Your iPhone

Want to access your computer files from your iPhone or iPad? It’s easier than you might think. Here’s how you can connect to a network drive and access your shared folders:

#1 Setting Up Folder Sharing on Your Computer

If you don’t have a Network Attached Storage (NAS), you can simply share a folder from your Windows PC:

1. Right-click on the folder you want to share.
2. Select “Properties“, then go to the “Sharing” tab.

For Linux or macOS users, the process is similar.

#2 Accessing Shared Files on Your iPhone or iPad

Once you’ve set up folder sharing, you can access it using your computer’s local server IP address. To find this:

1. Go to your computer’s settings.
2. Look under “Network & Internet“, then “Ethernet” or “WiFi“.
3. Find the “IPv4 Address” entry.

Now, let’s use the Files app on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to the same Wi-Fi as your computer.
2. Open the Files app.
3. Tap the “triple-dot” icon at the top-right corner.
4. Select “Connect to Server”.
5. Enter your local server IP address and tap “Connect“.
6. Choose “Registered User” or “Guest” based on your network share setup.
7. If prompted, enter your username and password.

You should now see the contents of your shared folder. Depending on your permissions, you might even be able to add new files from your iPhone.

Now, if you don’t see the “Connect to Server” option, your iOS version might be 12 or older. Don’t worry – there’s an alternative method for older versions, which we’ll cover next.

What to Do If You Can’t Connect to a Server on Your iPhone

If you’re struggling to connect to your network drive using your iPhone or iPad, don’t worry. There’s an easy solution using a third-party app called Documents by Readdle.

This app is great for browsing, downloading files, and connecting to network services.

How to Use Documents by Readdle:

1. Download the free app from the App Store
2. Open the app and tap the settings icon
3. Select “Clouds & Connection” > “Add Connection” > “Windows SMB” (or your server type)
4. Name your connection and enter your IP address
5. Go to “My Files” to access your network drive

Documents by Readdle is a powerful tool for your iOS device, offering features for downloading and managing files. It’s perfect for boosting productivity and simplifying file handling.

If the Files app method didn’t work, give this app a try. It’s a straightforward solution for connecting to your network drive and managing files efficiently. You’ll be accessing your shared files in no time!

How to Add a Network Drive to Your Android Phone

Want to access files from your computer or other devices on your Android phone? Here’s how you can connect to a network drive.

While some Android phones have this feature built-in, we’ll use an app called Cx File Explorer that works for everyone.

Connecting to a Network Share on Android with Cx File Explorer:

1. Download the app: Get Cx File Explorer for free from the Google Play Store.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi: Make sure your Android phone is on the same network as your network share.
3. Open the app: In Cx File Explorer, tap “Network”, then “Remote”.
4. Set up the connection: Under the “Remote” tab, choose “SMB” or the option that matches your network share type.
5. Enter your details: Type your network drive’s IP address in the “Host” field. Add your username and password if needed. Tap “OK” to access your network drive content.

You can also make your Android phone a network drive itself. Just tap “Access from Network” in Cx File Explorer. This allows you to access your Android files from other devices on the same network, even transferring files wirelessly between your Android and iPhone.

Cx File Explorer is often better than the default File Manager app on Android phones. It’s not just for network connections – it’s great for analyzing and managing all the files on your phone. Whether you’re freeing up space or organizing documents, this app makes it simple.

In Conclusion To

Setting up a network share folder simplifies file management across your devices. With apps like Cx File Explorer, you can easily move files between Android and iPhone wirelessly – no computer needed.

Even if your device lacks built-in network sharing, third-party apps like Documents by Readdle for iOS and Cx File Explorer for Android offer powerful solutions.

In our connected world, easy file sharing is essential. Whether for work, study, or personal use, network sharing is a valuable skill.

Now that you know how to set up a network share, why not try it? You might be surprised at how it streamlines your file management. Have you used network sharing before? Share your experience in the comments!